Closer Asking For Extra Money!
I am closing on a property next week. Due to my schedule, I asked that the closing be set after hours in the evening. The closing company (or the closer) agreed, but wants me to pay an extra $150 for this. I have no problem with the fee, however when I asked if it would be on the HUD-1, I was told that I would have to pay it in cash. This raised alarm bells in my mind and I am wondering if this is legal.
Has anyone come across this or something similar? If I do this, am I party to any fraud? I plan to claim my closing costs in next years taxes, can I claim this fee if it does not appear on the HUD-1?
Thanks in advance for your help and Happy Holidays to all.
JS.
Hope I am not too late. In reponse to the closer requesting a larger fee for a evening closing, yes it is customary to be charged extra for an evening closing; however, it is illegal to charge any settlement charges at closing under the table. It is common for the buyer to bring a cashiers check to the closing for a higher amount than what the settlement charges equal but the title company, ie. closer will reimburse the buyer with a check (at the closing). $100.00 may not be substantial when you look at the total dollar figure for the closing costs but it is very unethical and also illegal. You are not at fault but the